When walking into Elie Tanous Salon, I was immediately hit with cool vibes. I was offered a refreshment and led to a waiting area containing a white couch, stacked magazines and fluorescent blue lighting on the walls. A fresh smell from the main area wafted into the room as hip music blared through the speakers and hair products aligned the shelves.
Elie Tanous, an Edgewater resident, opened his hair salon in The Shops at Riverside, a little less than two years ago. Since then, this prime destination has attracted haircut seekers from the Teaneck and Bergenfield area.
To celebrate his 30th birthday, which falls before the three weeks, Tanous was excited to offer special deals featuring 30% discounts and $30 deals, coordinating with his age. He said he owes much of his success to local residents, and the specials are a “nice way to give back a little bit to people who have been loyal to me.”
Tanous spoke passionately about the support he receives from surrounding communities. “The support that we get from people in the area is amazing, in terms of not just business, but also friendship,” he said. “Most of the people who read The Jewish Link, for example, they’ve been with me since before I had my salon and they’ve been with me since I first opened up.”
Tanous, who has been working in cosmetology for 12 years, had worked at various salons in the area, including the one preceding his own, before opening his business. He has over 30 certifications of advanced training from around the world, including Italy and London and continues to get more.
The upbeat, friendly environment of the salon is a magnet not just for hair styling but socializing. “We sometimes have clients that come in just to have a cup of coffee with us, even if they’re not here to do their hair,” said Tanous. Visitors, whether they are seeking a haircut or to chat, are offered kosher refreshments, including a mevushal glass of wine. The salon’s team that includes stylists with 15-20 years of experience sits with clients for thorough consultations, to provide expert advice on the best styles for their clients. “We’re basically giving you New York, Beverly Hills quality with over the bridge prices,” said Tanous.
The cutting-edge characteristics of the salon belies the challenges it has endured of originally being only Tanous and two stylists. “It was about three or four months in when I first opened up, and I said to myself ‘what am I doing here?’ It was definitely intimidating,” Tanous reminisced. He said the support he was getting from his clients and friends and the different organizations and management the team put in place drastically evolved the business, as it went from three to 23 reputable employees in less than two years.
The salon just released a top-quality hair extension line and offers all types of services including color, wigs, keratin and Brazilian treatment, on-site services (including weddings) and many more. Religious women may request a secluded VIP room for privacy.
Tanous has goals for future expansion, but cannot speak about them yet. “There’s actually something very interesting in the works right now so keep your eye out,” he said excitedly. This is nothing compared to what’s coming.”
For more information, or to book an appointment, visit www.elietanous.com� or call 201-489-7300.
By Ally Scharf
Ally Scharf is a rising senior at Binghamton University and a summer intern at The Jewish Link.
